Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji to Face ICPC in Court Over Alleged Forgery, Fake NYSC Certificate

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is expected to arraign former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday over allegations bordering on forgery and the presentation of false official documents.

The arraignment follows Nnaji’s arrest by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 1, shortly after his return to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ICPC had confirmed that the arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations against the former minister.

According to the anti-corruption agency, Nnaji is accused of forging academic credentials, including an alleged degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He is also alleged to have presented a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

The former minister is expected to take his plea before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court.

The allegations have attracted significant public attention, particularly because they relate to the authenticity of credentials submitted for public office. As of the time of filing this report, the court is yet to determine the merits of the allegations, and Nnaji remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in accordance with the law.

Another High-Profile Arraignment Scheduled

In a separate development, the Nigeria Police Force is also scheduled to arraign the Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, before the same court on Tuesday.

According to a charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, Adeyemi and two other defendants will face an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, impersonation and related offences.

The charge, filed on November 27, 2025, by police prosecutor Wisdom Madaki, lists several witnesses expected to testify during the trial.

Among them are the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside Paul Emmanuel, Jeremiah Imoukhede, Ituah Sylvester, officials from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Akimbo Shola, Adamu Balongu, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The proceedings in both cases are expected to attract considerable public interest as the courts begin hearing allegations involving senior public figures and individuals accused of document forgery and related offences.